Dihydromethysticin – 19902-91-1

Dihydromethysticin(19902-91-1) is the major kavalactone that is naturally occurring in the roots of kava (Piper methysticum). The compounds are studied for their bioactive properties, with a primary focus on the effects as anxiolytics. [1] The activity associated with the major kavalactones, excluding desmethoxyyangonin, includes potentiation of the GABAA receptor potentiators, reuptake inhabitation of norepinephrine and dopamine, CB1 receptor binding, inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, and reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase B. Dihydromethysticin has been shown to affect the hepatic enzyme CYP1A1

Hepatoxic properties have been observed in several of the kavalactones, primarily methysticin and yangonin. [2] The compounds affect a group of enzymes called CYP450 that are involved in metabolism.

You can find the additional kavalactones here.

[1] “Influence of Genuine Kavapyrone Enantiomers on the GABAA Binding Site”

[2] “Kava: a review of the safety of traditional and recreational beverage consumption”